Separating and washing apparatus



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abkwwua 16a 9?? anew Patented Jan. 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,026,903 SEPARATING AND WASHING APPARATUS Application January 12, 1932, Serial No. 586,138

10 Claims.

This invention relates to separating and washing apparatus of the type in which raw material is fed to a separating compartment into which water is,delivered for the purpose of separating one material from another by the difference in specific gravity of the materials to be separated, and more particularly it relates to improvements in apparatus for separating and washing coal wherein there is provided a separating compartment'provided with an inclined perforated bottom through which a liquid, usually water, is delivered to the compartment to separate the light material from the heavy material as it flows upwardly through the compartment and out through suitably arranged openings.

In the apparatus heretofore known and used for this purpose manually operable means has United States Patent No. 1,728,196. In the construction shown therein the refuse discharge opening is automatically regulated by the amount of refuse which accumulates upon the perforated bottom of the separating compartment.

One object of the present invention is to provide automatic means, controlled by the amount of refuse accumulating upon the perforated bottom of the separating compartment, for the purpose of operating a conveyer to remove refuse from the discharge opening of the separating compartment. A further object of the invention is to provide means, controlled by the accumulation of refuse on the perforated bottom of the separating compartment, for the purpose of operating a refuse removing means located adjacent the refuse discharge opening of the separating compartment. It is a further object of the invention to provide means, controlled by the quantity of separating liquid in a compartment of the apparatus, for operating the refuse conveyer. ,t is also an object of the invention to provide means, controlled by the quantity of separating liquid in one compartment of the apparatus, for. operating the refuse removing means adjacent the discharge opening in the separating compartment. Another object of. the invention is the provision of separate liquid chambers beneath the perforated bottom of the separating compartment whereby the flow of separating liquid may be regulated over different areas of the perforated bottom. A still further object of the invention is the provision of a series arrangement of such apparatus whereby coal or other minerals may be more efficiently separated and washed than has been possible with the apparatus heretofore known.

In order that the invention may be readily understood and its practical advantages fully appreciated, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of apparatus in which the invention is embodied;

Fig. 2 is a plan'view thereof;

Figs. 3, 4 and are transverse sectional views of the apparatus taken on lines 33, 4-4 and 5-5 respectively of Fig. 1; looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of apparatus showing a modified form of liquid chamber, refuse gate, and refuse removing means;

Fig. '7 is a similar view showing a further modification of the liquid chamber;

Figs. 8 and 9 are similar views showing still further modifications of the refuse gate; Fig. 10 is a similar view of a simple form of such apparatus in which automatic control is provided for the refuse removing means but not for the refuse gate; and

Fig. 11 is a vertical elevation, partly in section, showing a series arrangement of a plurality of hydro-separators embodying this invention.

In the construction shown by the drawings, there is provided a separating compartment A into which raw material is fed from a hopper B through an adjustable gate C. The separating compartment A is provided with an inclined perforated bottom D. Adjacent the lower edge of the inclined bottom D is a partition or baflie wall E the upper edge of which terminates below the upper edges of the walls of the separating compartment A. In the operation of the device, light material, such as coal, passes over the upper edge of the baflie wall E into suitable chutes F. The baflie wall E is spaced from the lower edge of the inclined bottom D to form a refuse discharge opening G, controlled by a refuse gate I-I, operated in the manner hereinafter described. From the refuse discharge opening G the refuse is delivered to a refuse compartment I, from which it is removed by a suitable conveyor J. At its upper end the conveyor J passes around and is driven by a shaft K, one outer end of which carries a sprocket wheel L driven by a sprocket chain M from a sprocket wheel N on a shaft 0 extending from a gear box P, suitably connected to an electric motor Q, the circuit of which is controlled by a switch R operated by a float S on the liquid T in the refuse compartment I.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawings, the construction therein shown comprises, beneath the inclined perforated bottom D, liquid chambers 10 and H. Liquid is supplied to chamber ID by means of a pipe l2 connected to a suitable source of liquid supply. Preferably the liquid is delivered to the chamber under pressure, either from a tank located above the apparatus or by means of a suitable pump. A valve I3 is provided in the pipe 12 for regulating the pressure of the liquid in the chamber [0. Liquid is supplied to the chamber ll through a pipe l4 connected with the same source of supply, and a valve I5 is likewise provided therein for regulating the pressure and flow of water through chamber 1 i into seperating compartment A. Slush valves [6 are provided in the bottom of chamber l0 through which any sediment collecting therein may be removed. A similar slush valve I1 is provided for the removal of any sediment that may collect in fluid chamber II.

The refuse gate H for regulating the size of the refuse discharge opening G is mounted on the baffle wall E in suitable guideways I8 on opposite side walls of separating compartment A, and secured to this gate is an upwardly extending rod l9 pivotally connected at its upper end to one arm of a bell crank lever 20 secured to a shaft 2| mounted in bearings 22 suitably supported on the upper edges of the side walls of separating compartment A. The long arm of the bell crank lever 20 has pivotally connected thereto a link 23, one end of which is connected to the movable element 24 of a governing device 25 on the extended shaft 26 of the electric motor Q. From this construction, it will be observed that operation of the governing device 25 serves to raise and lower refuse gate H to regulate the size of the refuse discharge opening G.

The opposite end of the shaft of the motor Q extends to gear box P heretofore referred to. A sprocket wheel 21 on the outer end of. the shaft 0 carries a sprocket chain 28 which passes over a sprocket wheel 29 on the outer end of a shaft 30 carrying a rotary refuse removing device 3|. This refuse removing device consists of two spaced disc members 32 secured to shaft 30 with a plurality of vanes 33 extending therebetween. Refuse passing outwardly through refuse discharge opening G is removed by rotary refuse removing means 3| and drops upon an inclined guide plate 34 by which it is deposited upon refuse conveyer J. A slush valve 35 may be provided at the bottom of refuse compartment I for the removal of such refuse of sediment as may collect therein.

In the operation of the device disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5, it will be understood that raw material, such as uncleaned coal, is delivered to the hopper B in any suitable manner. From the hopper B this raw material passes through the adjustable feed gate C onto the inclined perforated bottom D of the separating compartment A. Water or other liquid is delivered from an elevated tank or a force pump to the chamber l0 and H, through pipes l2 and I4, whereupon it passes through the perforations in the inclined bottom D to effect the separating and washing action in the separating compartment A. It will be understood from the construction shown that the heavier raw material delivered to the separating compartment A tends to move downwardly to the lower edge of the inclined perforated bottom D. Meanwhile the flow of water upwardly through the perforated bottom operates to carry the lighter materials, such as coal, upwardly in compartment A over the bafiie wall E, whereupon this lighter material passes outwardly beneath the adjustable gates 36 into the chutes F.

The heavy materials, such as rock and slate, glide on the perforated bottom and gradually move downwardly to the refuse discharge opening G. The pressure of the water in the charm bers l0 and H is such that the height of the water T in the refuse compartment I is maintained within predetermined limits. As this refuse accumulates upon bottom D, the water from chambers [0, H is directed thereunder through discharge opening G to a greater extent. When therefore, in the operation of the device, there is such an accumulation of refuse on the inclined bottom D as to interfere with the upward flow of water therethrough, an increased flow of water takes place through refuse discharge opening G into refuse compartment I to raise the height of the water T therein. This in turn raises the float S to operate switch R in electric circuit 31 for energizing electric motor Q.

Immediately motor Q begins to operate, the refuse removing device 3| is rotated through the connections heretofore described so that refuse is removed from discharge opening G and deposited upon refuse conveyer J, or is directed thereto by guide plate 34. It will also be noted that the operation of motor Q begins driving refuse conveyer J simultaneously with rotary refuse remover 3|. As motor Q comes to speed, the governing device 25 operates to raise refuse gate H so that a portion of the accumulated refuse on inclined bottom D moves downwardly and thus partially removes the resistance to the flow of water from chambers Ill and II upwardly through separating compartment A. The consequent decrease in pressure in refuse compartment I permits the level of the water therein to drop, thus actuating float S to throw switch R and thus stop the operation of motor Q. It will thus be observed that the refuse gate H, the rotary refuse removing means 3|, and the refuse conveyer J, are operated intermittently, and at such times as the accumulated refuse on the inclined perforated bottom D of separating compartment A is suiiicient to retard the normal flow of water upwardly through separating compartment A and cause the level of the water in refuse compartment I to rise. The operation of refuse gate H to increase the size of refuse discharge opening G, the operation of the refuse removing device 3|, and the movement of refuse conveyer J are thus dependent upon the quantity or height of the water in refuse compartment I, which in turn is dependent upon the amount of refuse accumulating upon the bottom of the separating compartment.

Referring to the construction shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, it will be noted that there is provided a single liquid chamber 38 into which fluid is admitted through a pipe 39 in the manner heretofore described. Within this chamber 38 may be provided a baffle plate 46 for the purpose of assisting in directing the flow of liquid therethrough. The bottom of the chamber 38 may be provided with slush valves 4| for the removal of any sediment accumulating therein.

In Fig. 7 of the drawings the fluid chamber separate chambers 42, 43 and 44. By thus providing different areas over the perforated bottom D with separate fluid inlets, each of which may be individually regulated, means are provided for better regulating the separation of the materials and for controlling the height of the water in refuse compartment I. In some cases it may be found desirable to provide a greater flow of water through one particular area of the perforated bottom, and in separating and washing other material it may be desirable to provide a greater flow through another area, and such adjustment of the flow of water must be determined in accordance with the nature of the raw material which is being separated and washed.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the refuse gate H is mounted in suitable guideways 48 for movement to and from the lower edge of inclined bottom D. This adjustment of the gate is accomplished by means of a rod 49 secured to the upper edge of the gate and threaded at its upper end for the reception of the threaded hub 50 of a bevel gear meshing with another bevel gear 52 operated by a hand wheel 53. A flanged member 54 is secured to the lower edge of the refuse gate H and extends forwardly into the separating compartment A. Hingedly mounted to the'lower edge of the refuse gate H is an auxiliary gate 55 having a projecting arm 56 secured thereto. A link 51 is pivotally connected at its lower end to the arm 56 and has its upper end pivotally connected to one arm" of a bell crank lever 58 the other arm. of which is pivotally connected to a link 59 which, in turn,

is pivoted to the lower end of a lever 60, the opposite end of which is suitably connected to the movable member 24 of the governing device 25 heretofore referred to. v

In this form of the invention, when the level of the water in refuse compartmentI reaches a predetermined height, operation of the electric motor Q, through the governing device 25, serves to open the auxiliary refuse gate 55 gradually as the motor reaches speed, and the construction is such that the distance of refuse gate H, or auxiliary gate 55, from the lower edge of the inclined bottom D may be adjusted manually at any time by means of the hand wheel 53.

I In Figs. 8 and 9 it will be noted that the refuse gate H is mounted in suitable guideways 6| for manual adjustment to and from the lower edge of inclined bottom D by means of the hand wheel 62 threaded on the upper end of rod 63, the lower end of which is secured to the gate H, and the auxiliary gate is pivotally mounted upon the rear face of bailie wall E so that it does not partake of the up and down movements of the refuse gate proper. In Fig. 8 the auxiliary refuse gate 64 is shownas being curved in cross section, while in Fig. 9 there is shown a construction of auxiliary refuse gate 65 suspended upon the rear face of battle wall E by a system of substantially parallel links 65. In both Figs.'8 and 9 the construction is such that the auxiliary refuse gate may be moved toward or away from the refuse discharge opening G for the purpose of regulating the discharge as the auxiliary gates move to and from the discharge opening.

In Fig. of the drawings there is'disclosed a simplified construction of the invention in which the automatic means for operating the 5 refuse discharge gate is omitted. It will be noted that the refuse conveyer J is located close to refuse discharge opening G as in the case of the constructions shown in Figs. 6 to 9. In this particular embodiment of the invention an ac- 1o cumulation of refuse on the inclined bottom D increases the flow of water into refuse compartment I. This raises float S to operate switch R whereupon motor Q operates to drive conveyer J and thus remove the refuse from disl5 charge opening G. Suchadjustment of refuse gate H as may be necessary in this form of the invention is accomplished through the hand wheel 61 threaded on the upper end of the rod 58, the lower end of which is secured to the refuse gate.

In the operation of separating and washing apparatus as heretofore described, it will be clear that when raw material, such as coal which has not been cleaned and separated, is fed to the separating compartment A and water is supplied to this compartment through the liquid chamber or chambers beneath the perforated bottom D, the heavy materials, such as rock, slate and other refuse, will be discharged through the discharge opening G for removal by the refuse conveyer J, while the separated and washed coal will pass over the bafiie plate E into the chutes F for such disposition as may be desired. It will be understood, of course, that the pres sure and flow of water into and through the chambers beneath the perforated bottom D, and the position of the refuse gate H with respect to the refuse discharge opening G, will be regulated in accordance with the character of the material with which the apparatus is used. In some cases it may be desirable to provide a plu rality of the separating and washing devices heretofore described in order that the separation of the materials may be more effectively carried out. In Fig. 11 of the drawings there is shown a system wherein three of the devices illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings are arranged in series. In the use of this series arrangement of separating and washing apparatus, raw material is delivered to the hopper B'of separator U and the refuse from this separator is discharged by the refuse conveyer J into a further conveyer 59 for such disposition as may be desirable. In this case the coal delivered to coal chutes F may contain aconsiderable quantity of bony or capped coal and some slateand other refuse. By means of the system disclosed in Fig. 11, this mixture of pure coal, bony coal, slate and other refuse, is delivered through a de-watering chute ill to the hopper B of the second separating and washing apparatus V. The flow of water into and through separating compartment A of the apparatus V may be so regulated, and the position of refuse gate H may be so adjusted, that substantially all of the slate and other heavy refuse will be discharged by this unit through its refuse discharge opening G, thence discharged from this unit of the system by the refuse conveyer J for disposition by a further conveyer H.

The coal discharged from separating and washing unit V into the de-watering chute 72 -Wil1 consist of pure coal intermixed with a cervaricus elements of this unit, together with the flow of water thereto, may be so adjusted as to separate practically all the bony or capped coal from the pure coal, the former being discharged through the refuse discharge opening G and delivered by the refuse conveyer J of this unit of the system for disposition by conveyer 13 for such use as may be found for this grade of coal. The pure coal will be delivered through the de-watering chute l4 into a re-sizing screen 15 from which it is discharged into cars or other receptacles as may be desired.

In the operation of a system of this character,

it will be noted that a single source of water supply, such as the elevated tank 16, may be utilized, the water being pumped into the tank by means of a centrifugal pump 11. It will also be noted that a single pipe 18 leads from the elevated tank to supply a water main 19 from which separate pipes or conduits lead to the water chambers of the individual units U, V, W of the system, as heretofore described. It will be further noted that the water from the de-watering screens 1o, 12 and 14 passes downwardly through suitable pipes 80, BI and 82 into a drain 83 whereupon it is carried to a tank 84 serving as the source of supply for the elevated tank l6. Such a system makes it possible to separate and wash coal and other materials thoroughly and efficiently, and the arrangement is such that economy may be practised in the use of water, which is frequently of importance where the supply of water is limited.

While the apparatus herein disclosed has been described as being primarily useful for separating and washing coal, it will be understood that it is equally useful for the separation of other materials where the process is dependent upon a difference in specific gravity of the materials to be separated. It is not the intention therefore to limit the use of the apparatus in any way to the separation and washing of coal.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in the constructions described and illustrated without departing from the invention intended to be claimed herein.

What is claimed is:

1. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment, a perforated bottom in said compartment, means for conducting a liquid to said compartment through said perforated bottom, a bafile wall in one end of said compartment above which coil is discharged, said compartment having a refuse discharge opening adjacent one end of said bottom, a movable refuse gate for regulating the size of said opening and the discharge of refuse through said opening, refuse removing means adjoining said opening for positively removing refuse from said opening, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the amount of refuse on said perforated bottom for actuating the refuse gate and the refuse removing means.

2. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment, a perforated bottom in said compartment, means for conducting a liquid to said compartment through said perforated bottom, a bafile wall in one end of said compartment above which coal is discharged, said compartment being provided with a refuse discharge opening adjacent said bottom, a movable refuse gate for regulating the size of said opening and the discharge of refuse through said Opening, a refuse receiving compartment in communication with the separating compartment through said opening, a conveyer in the refuse receiving compartment for positively removing refuse from said opening and for disposing of refuse discharged through said opening, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the amount of refuse on said perforated bottom for actuating the refuse gate and the conveyer.

3. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment having an inclined perforated bottom and a refuse discharge opening adjacent the lower end thereof, a bafile wall over which coal is discharged from said compartment, a movable refuse gate for regulating the size of said opening and the discharge of refuse through said opening, a refuse receiving compartment communicating with the separating compartment through said opening, means for supplying a flow of liquid to the separating compartment through the perforated bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in said refuse receiving compartment, refuse remo'ving means adjoining said opening for positively removing refuse from said opening, and intermit tently operated motor means controlled by the quantity of liquid in the refuse receiving compartment for actuating the refuse gate and the refuse removing means.

4. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment having an inclined perforated bottom and a refuse discharge opening adjacent the lower end thereof, a bafile wall over which coal is discharged from said compartment, a movable refuse gate for regulating the size of said opening and the discharge of refuse through said opening, a refuse receiving compartment communicating with the separating compartment through said opening, means for J supplying a flow of liquid to the separating compartment through theperforated bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in said refuse receiving compartment, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the "quantity of liquid in the refuse receiving compartment for actuating the refuse gate to vary the size of said opening.

5. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment having an inclined per- 1 forated bottom and a refuse discharge opening adjacent the lower end thereof, means for supplying a flow of liquid to said compartment through the perforated bottom, a bafile wall over which coal is discharged from said compartment, a refuse gate for regulating the discharge of refuse through said opening, refuse removing means adjacent said opening, means controlled by the amount of refuse on said perforated bottom for actuating said refuse removing means, and means for gradually opening said refuse gate'after the refuse removing means begins to operate.

6. In a hydro separator, the combination of a separating compartment having an inclined bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in said refuse receiving compartment, means controlled by the quantity of liquid in the refuse receiving compartment for actuating the refuse removing means, and means for gradually opening said refuse gate after the refuse removing means begins to'operate.

7. In apparatus of the character described, a separating compartment having an inclined bottom perforated to admit a flow of water therethrough, a baflle extending across said compartment over which coal is discharged and spaced from the lower edge of the perforated bottom to provide a refuse discharge opening, a refuse receiving compartment in communication with the separating compartment'through said opening, means for supplying a flow of liquid to the separating compartment through the perforated bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in the refuse receiving compartment, a movable refuse gate for regulating the discharge of refuse through said opening, manually operated means for adjusting the position of said gate with respect to said opening, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the quantity of liquid in the refuse receiving compartment for automatically actuating said gate.

8. In apparatus of the character described, a separating compartment having an inclined perforated bottom, a bafiie over which coal is discharged extending across said compartment and spaced from the lower edge of the bottom to provide a refuse discharge opening, means for supplying a flow of liquid through the perforated bottom into said compartment, a refuse gate for regulating the discharge of refuse through said opening, a rotary refuse removing means adja cent said opening, a conveyer for disposing of the refuse, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the amount of refuse on said perforated bottom for actuating said refuse gate, said removing means, and said conveyer.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a separating compartment having an inclined perforated bottom, a battle over which coal is dis- 5 charged extending across said compartment and spaced from the lower edge of the bottom to pro- .vide a refuse discharge opening, a refuse receiving compartment in communication with the separating compartment through said opening, means for supplying a flow of liquid to the separating compartment through the perforated bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in the refuse receiving compartment, a refuse gate for regulating the discharge of refuse through said opening, a rotary refuse delivering means adjacent said opening, a conveyer in the refuse receiving compartment for disposing of refuse delivered by said delivering means, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the quantity of liquid in the refuse receiving compartment for actuating the refuse gate, the refuse delivering means, and the conveyer.

10. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a separating compartment having an inclined perforated bottom and a refuse discharge opening adjacent the lower edge thereof, a refuse compartment communicating with the separating compartment through said opening, means for supplying a flow of liquid upwardly through said perforated bottom and for maintaining a variable quantity thereof in the refuse compartment, manually adjustable means for regulating the size of said opening, and intermittently operated motor means controlled by the quantity of liquid in the refuse compartment for regulating the size of said opening and the discharge of refuse through said opening.

WILLIAM C. MENZIES. FRANCIS H. BLATCH. 4o

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,026,905. January '7, l956.

WILLIAM C MENZIES ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, first column, line 21, for "sepereting" read. separating; line 61, for "of" read or; page 4, first column, line 56 claim 1, for" "coil" read coal; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record. of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 18th day of February A. D. 1936.

Leslie Frazer Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

